Dogs, often called man’s best friend, are known for their loyal, compassionate hearts. Their instincts to help and protect often extend far beyond humans, reaching any creature in need. That was exactly the case with Zoey—a sweet-natured dog who went above and beyond to care for a tiny, injured fawn she found on her family’s ranch.
One morning, Zoey’s owner, musician Pat Pollifrone, stepped outside to find his dog quietly sitting next to a baby deer in distress. The young fawn was lying on the ground near their home, unable to move much. Zoey, sensing the deer’s pain, stayed by its side, refusing to leave until help arrived.
Pat gently stepped in and released the fawn from the tangle of vines and brush it had gotten caught in. Believing it was best to let nature take its course, he helped the deer back into the wild.
But to Pat’s surprise, the next morning the little fawn was back—curled up near the front entrance.
It was clear now: the fawn wasn’t just lost. She was sick and needed help.
Her eyes were swollen and infected, and she had ticks embedded in her fur. Pat named her Bambi and began caring for her. He fed her fresh goat’s milk and treated her eye infections. He even gently removed the ticks, giving her some much-needed relief.
And all the while, Zoey never left her side.
From the very beginning, the dog had formed a bond with Bambi—a quiet friendship filled with comfort and care. Wherever Bambi wandered, Zoey followed. They spent their days side by side, with Zoey licking her gently, cuddling up beside her, and offering the kind of companionship only animals truly understand.
Their connection was deep and touching—an unexpected friendship that grew stronger every day.
Pat did everything he could to help Bambi heal. He contacted local shelters and rescue centers, hoping to find a place that could take her in. But one after another, they turned him away—some due to overcrowding, others because they didn’t have the resources to care for a fawn.
Refusing to give up, Pat finally found the perfect home: a peaceful goat farm, where Bambi could live safely among other animals and enjoy a life full of care.
Thanks to Pat’s determination and Zoey’s gentle love, Bambi fully recovered. Her eyes cleared, her energy returned, and the ticks were gone. She was ready to start her new life.
While saying goodbye was bittersweet, Pat was overjoyed to have found her a place where she would be loved. And Zoey? She had shown the world just how powerful compassion can be—even between species.
This is more than a story of rescue.
It’s a story of healing, of friendship, and of what happens when we stop and care for the smallest, most fragile lives around us.
Because sometimes, all it takes to save someone is simply not walking away.
